Recently, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF Vic Branch) partnered with the University of Melbourne to conduct a survey, the largest of its kind in the world. The study explored how nurses and midwives may be at increased risk of family violence in their own lives.
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of family violence and associated health impacts, and the support needs of nurses and midwives.
Key findings
The project’s key findings include:
- Family violence was common among both women and men (20% of nurses and midwives had experienced violence in the last 12 months).
- On every measure of health and wellbeing, women and men who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) reported worse health and at least twice the number of health professional visits compared to their colleagues without a history of IPV.
- IPV had impacts on victims at work, including intruding into the workplace.
The findings highlight the importance of greater awareness about the impact of family violence on nurses, midwives, and carers, and the need to provide a supportive and safe environment for employees to report and share their experiences.
Christine Power, Monash Health Family Violence Project Manager, says that unfortunately our employees and volunteers are more likely to experience abuse at home than the general population.
“Family violence is never okay, and we have support available for our workforce. Each of us has the right to feel safe and respected,” she says.
Family violence support for our employees
Our goal is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental response to employees affected by family violence.
While the study is focused on nurses and midwives, we know that family violence can occur in any family, and support is available for all employees. This includes:
- Confidentiality
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with trained counsellors – 1300 338 465
- Flexible work options
- Workplace safety plan
- Family violence leave
Your manager is also available to support you and discuss further options, or you can contact your People and Culture Business Partner via the advice line on (03) 9265 2724.
The survey found that twenty-five percent of those who experience family violence see some intrusion at the workplace. We have recently introduced a stalking procedure, which is available on PROMPT. provides guidance to help minimise incidents and risks involved while at work.
Training and resources for managers
We have guidance in place to help managers and others have sensitive conversations, as well as a range of support options.
Family violence manager training is available on Latte, and the Family violence – manager’s guide to supporting our employees. It can be downloaded here and is also available on PROMPT.
In addition, there are also three supporting fact sheets:
More information
For more information visit the Family Violence intranet page or the Respectful Relationships and Family Violence page.
If you would like to read the full survey findings, please of the “You can’t swim well if there is a weight dragging you down” research report or find out more about the Health, Wellbeing & Relationship Project here.
*If this article triggers any concerns or if you have experienced family violence, please seek support.
Approved by: Katrina Nankervis